Club eager to get their fans back into the stands
COWBOYS director of football Peter Parr says the ambitious plan to get crowds back this season will have its hurdles, but it would be a welcome return of the advantages a home game brings.
ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys has upped the ante to get spectators into stadiums by August.
After successfully getting the competition back off the ground on May 28, as he intended, Parr said “you wouldn’t count against that”.
But he said this situation would not be the same as getting games back on. It was one thing to get players on the field, another to safely have thousands in the stands.
“I think a home ground with a crowd is always advantageous, particularly our club, given how vocal they are,” Parr said. “I think it’s great for the players to know what they mean to the community and I think it helps in close games when the crowds are very vocal.
“But I don’t think it’s all about the players … I think another argument to say is for people who really enjoy their football and going to events and support their team, getting back some form of normality is just as important.”
North Queensland coach Paul Green said while his side would revel should their supporters be welcomed back, the approach of his players would be unlikely to change.
Players such as John Asiata and Jordan Mclean have previously said that after adjusting to the surreal experience in the opening minutes of a clash, the outside distractions fade away.
Green said he had not noticed an impact on his players – they were still playing as hard as they normally would.
“I think it’s great for the fans and spectators, it’s also good for the players, and we love the way our members and supporters support us,” Green said.
“But I’m not really what sort of effect it’s had.
“For us, once the game kicks off, you get your head in the game and you’re not worried what goes on around that.” sure